Safety
In an emergency staff, students, and parents all have a role to play. In school we practice drills repetitiously throughout the years, this may leave parents feeling left in the dark. Below see a tip sheet for parents for emergency situations.
ParentSquare
To receive emergency alerts and updates from the district:
- Be sure your current phone number and email is on file with your child's school.
- We are Using Parent Square check it out here.
At DECA - Staff and Student Safety is a Priority
Each campus has security measures in place to keep both staff and students safe while they are in school
- Doors and Windows are locked. During the school day, each campus keeps all exterior doors and windows closed and locked to ensure a secure learning environment.
- Security Cameras are located throughout each campus to keep our staff and students safe.
- Emergency Drills are practiced on a monthly rotation at each campus. Staff and students practice; fire, tornado, and safety drills throughout the year.
- ID's are required to enter campus. At the entrance of each building we have secure entrances and require guests to show a government issued ID to enter.
- Mental Health Resources. Each campus has professionals on campus to help our students with their mental health and social and emotional learning. Full time counsellors and part time support from South Community and Dayton Children's professionals are available for students who are in need of emotional support. Each campus also builds an SEL program working to educate our families on emotional health and well being.
Safer Ohio School Tip Line
Governor Mike DeWine established the Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC) in August of 2019 to support schools, first responders, and communities in preventing, preparing for, and responding to threats and acts of violence, including self-harm.
A top priority of the OSSC is increasing information sharing and communication. Victimizations, bullying, and other disorders such as drug and alcohol use are often not reported directly to school authorities or even to parents and guardians. Oftentimes this is because students do not want to be identified, don’t want a friend or classmate in trouble, or simply don’t know how or where to report these threats. The OSSC wants to make sure students are aware of the resources available to them and know they have a safe space to share their concerns.
One available resource coordinated by the OSSC is the Safer Ohio School Tip Line, which is a free service that accepts calls and texts 24/7. The tip line allows students, parents, school administrators, and staff members to anonymously share information with school officials and law enforcement about threats to student safety.
The Tip Line Number is 844-723-3764.
The OSSC encourages reporting on:
· Bullying and cyberbullying incidents;
· Self-harm or suicidal behaviors;
· Withdrawn student behaviors;
· Verbal or written threats observed toward students, staff, or the school itself;
· Weapons/suspicious devices on or near school grounds;
· Gang-related activities;
· Illegal drug use; and
· Unusual or suspicious behavior of students or associates.
Crisis Care Text Line
Crisis Text Line
Do you need help now?
Text the keyword “4hope” to 741 741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor within 5 minutes.
Any person may need help in coping with a stressful situation. Reach out by text to communicate with someone trained to listen and respond in a method that is private, secure and confidential.
The Crisis Text Line is a free, confidential service available 24/7 via text on mobile devices.
Throughout Ohio, you can text the keyword “4hope” to 741 741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Data usage while texting Crisis Text Line is free and the number will not appear on a phone bill with the mobile service carrier. People of all ages can use Crisis Text Line.
For more information about the Crisis Text Line and for supporting resources, please visit the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services website.
Helpful Links
Below are links that can help if you or a loved one would like more information or need help: